I found the website of my old teacher training college/university today.
I was there from 1988-1992.
Those were the days. Not. Well, yes, and no.
During my time there I needed emotional support through a couple of crises. One being accommodation related, and the other my struggles with teaching itself. [That was pretty much an ongoing struggle though.]
Katie was actually depressed all through university and beyond. No treatment then though.
The first time I was refered to the college chaplain. The second time I went to see him as a last desperation.
That's right.
He was our college counselling service.
It was hardly confidential. Everything went straight back to the tutors. He told them. Not empathically mind, either.
Anyway, the college now refers people on to a counsellor in the city. And there is complete confidentiality.
They goddamn care. *cries*
Back then?
Where was my support while Katie crumbled?
Nada.
Well, I did have my friends. Thank God for friends.
We used to chat in the corridor every night. Have good old moaning sessions about the tutors and whatnot.....
But Katie really needed professional emotional support.
Never mind, she's getting support now. Much needed.
I'm not sure why its hard to write this in the first person.
Anyone else ever looked back at things like that and realised how much they missed out?
Hey, there's no support in my college either. they don't do the whole caring thing.
But don't be mad. You made it without it, and that's awesome. Besides, you're now getting the help you deserve.
Katie it just shows how mental health has come to the forefront of colleges and uni and whatnot. You where just in the right place at the wrong time. Perhaps you where one of the people that raised alarm bells that more help was needed - so you should be proud in a way proud that you have helped others get help they need.
xxx
I know exactly where you're coming from on this, it makes me alternately angry, for the help those like us didn't get, but also relieved for those who do ge some help they need now.
I was called attention seeking when I went to - yeah it was our School Chaplain - 23 years ago when I first started SI'ing. Needless to say I still do it now, and well, I don't really need to go on.
It's good you're getting the help you need now, and it's right to feel the way you do.
*hugs*
Under any other circumstances, an exuberant Roman soldier would be my idea of a perfect morning. – Capt Jack Harkness – Torchwood
Capt.Jack: Who looks at a screwdriver and thinks, 'Ooo, this could be a little more sonic?'" The Doctor: What, you've never been bored? Never had a long night? Never had a lot of cabinets to put up?
~Phoenix~ is my Little Sister of Awesomeness and Self-Delusion :P Bitter Angel is my Mitten Animad is my Top Trump All Im Living For - Is my beautiful and special daughter who isnt called Kim but will moan if i dont add her :P
Rhi, I actually ate strawberry cheesecake last night -- before I wrote this post!
Gaps. Yes. Gaps.
cq, yes, I made it through. By some miracle I got my degree. Sometimes it still amazes me.
Nat, you are very wise. Yes. It is possible that what happened for me helped to make them see that their previous way was very inappropriate and inadequete.
Even my ex tutor once said, in a kind of resigned and frustrated and annoyed tone "Everything seems like a real effort for you." Totally. I see now how that was a depression symptom. Loud and clear. I didn't know. And she didn't 'get' it either.
The whole way the page is worded now makes me think that perhaps others also went through similar to what I did, and that they decided they had to change the procedure.
bn, yes, I get alternately angry for myself as well as my friends who didn't get access to fair support, and also glad for those who are studying now and have support. I'm sorry that you can also relate to my experience, but also glad that I am not alone.
Oh yes I know exactly how that feels hun.
My darling Katherine, you are such a wonderful person, and you deserve so much. I'm gald you are getting your therapy now. It may be long awaited, but you have it now and it IS doing you good.
Thinking of you always xxxx
Are we demented or am I disturbed?
The space that's in between insane and insecure...
